Nikon's compact Coolpix S4 with 10x optical zoom

Nikon today presented the rather bizarre looking Coolpix S4 which features an impressive 10x optical zoom along with a 6 megapixel sensor and a 2.5-inch LCD display in a compact design that fits in a shirt pocket.

To capture everything from extreme close-ups to detailed architecture or
even expansive landscapes, the 10x Zoom Nikkor lens delivers 38-380mm (35mm
equivalent) performance all in slim, compact package measuring a mere 4.4 x
2.7 x 1.4-inches and weighting just over seven ounces* -- small enough to
easily fit in a shirt pocket. The 10x optical zoom give users the freedom and
power to shoot from the sidelines or compose great portraits in one compact
package.

The S4 features a new interpretation of the popular and innovative swivel
body design, first unveiled in the award-winning Coolpix 900 series cameras.
The body design allows the lens and the 2.5-inch LCD to move independently so
users can view their shot from any angle. For comfortable shooting, the S4
features a newly designed hand grip as well as conveniently placed buttons and
controls.

In addition to a stylish package and impressive zoom, the S4 comes packed
with innovative and advanced features for beginning through advanced
photographers. Using exclusive technology, Nikon has narrowed the picture-
taking process down to three simple steps -- turn on the camera, frame the
shot and snap the picture. To ensure a sharp portrait with the press of a
button Face Priority AF ensures that faces remain in focus when shooting
portraits by automatically sensing the presence of a human face within the
frame and setting accurate focus accordingly. Nikon's renowned In-Camera Red-
Eye Fix(TM) technology detects and corrects red eyes in most typical
situations without the need to press buttons or select and highlight the eyes
in playback. Without the hassle of additional software, photographers will
experience less red-eye photos yielding print-ready portraits.

To help ensure a balanced exposure and sharpness, Nikon's exclusive D-
Lighting function automatically compensates for insufficient flash or
excessive back lighting in order to obtain balanced exposure throughout the
frame. Blur Warning, another feature unique to Nikon alerts the user when a
shot is compromised by camera or hand shake, allowing another shot to be taken
before leaving the scene.

The S4 features 16 Scene Modes with four of them offering Scene Assist to
simplify shooting in common situations. To capture moving memories the S4
features four Movie Modes at up to 15 fps with three of the modes offering
sound recording. And, the Time-Lapse movie function can capture action taking
place over extended periods of time.
Additionally, the S4 includes helpful functions such as: Best Shot
Selector (BSS), Macro mode, 4x Digital Zoom, Single AF and Continuous AF and
choice of White Balance.

For further convenience the S4 includes 13.5 MB of internal memory and
operates on two AA-size alkaline or rechargeable batteries.
The S4 will be available at retail nationwide in September 2005 with an
MSRP of $399.95.